Nails are an important part of our body. They not only protect the fingertips but also enhance the overall look of our hands. But, there are some habits that we do unconsciously that can cause a great deal of damage to our nails.

Here are the worst things you can do to your nails:.

Biting Your Nails

Nail biting is a bad habit that can cause damage to your nails. Constant biting of the nails can lead to short and brittle nails that are prone to breaking easily. Additionally, it can also cause bacterial infections around the nail bed.

People usually bite their nails when they are feeling anxious or stressed. Hence, it is important to find ways to manage stress to avoid this habit.

Using Your Nails as a Tool

Using your nails as a tool to open cans, peel off labels or remove stickers is a bad idea. This can lead to chipped or broken nails, causing damage to the nail bed. It is better to use an appropriate tool for these kinds of tasks and protect your nails.

Using Harsh Chemicals

Exposure to harsh chemicals like cleaning products, acetone, and nail polishes can affect the health of your nails. These chemicals can cause dryness, brittleness and yellowing of the nails, weakening them and making them more prone to breakage.

It is important to use gloves when dealing with these chemicals and take breaks from nail polishes to avoid damage.

Skipping the Base and Top Coat

If you love applying nail polish, then you must know the importance of the base and top coat. Skipping these can cause damage to your nails.

The base coat is applied to protect your nails from staining and the top coat is applied to add shine and prolong the life of the nail polish. Without these layers, nails are more prone to breaking, chipping and peeling.

Overuse of Gel Polish

Gel polish is a quick and easy way to get a long-lasting manicure, but overuse can lead to damaged nails. Gel manicures use UV light to cure the polish which can cause harmful effects on the skin and nails.

Prolonged use can lead to thinning and weakening of the nails. It is recommended to take breaks in between gel manicures.

Related Article 30 bad habits that hurt your nails

Not Moisturizing

Moisturizing your nails is crucial for healthy and strong nails. Neglecting to moisturize can cause dry and brittle nails that are prone to breakage.

Nails should be moisturized every day with a good-quality oil or lotion that contains vitamin E and keratin.

Ignoring Infections

Ignoring nail infections like fungus or bacteria can lead to severe damage to your nails. These infections can cause discoloration, thickening, and separation of the nail from the nail bed.

It is important to treat these infections as soon as possible and avoid sharing nail tools to prevent the spread of infection.

Cutting Your Nails Too Short

Cutting your nails too short can cause damage to the nail bed and cuticles. It can also make your nails more prone to infection. Additionally, cutting your nails too short can make it difficult to maintain healthy and strong nails.

It is recommended to avoid cutting your nails too short and maintaining a proper length to keep them healthy.

Using Dirty Nail Tools

Using dirty nail tools can cause bacterial and fungal infections that can damage your nails. It is important to clean your tools after every use and avoid sharing them with others to prevent the spread of infections.

Picking at Your Cuticles

Picking at your cuticles can lead to damage to your nails and increase the risk of infection. It can also cause redness and swelling around the nail bed. It is better to avoid this habit and use cuticle oil instead to moisturize the cuticles.

Conclusion

Nails are an essential part of our body and we need to take good care of them. Avoiding the harmful habits mentioned above can help maintain healthy and strong nails. Small changes in habits can lead to big differences in nail health.

Take care of your nails to enhance the overall look of your hands and avoid painful nail damages.